For the last 4 months, DefenseReview has been using a Blackhawk! Medium A.L.E.R.T. Bag tactical load out bag for travel to industry trade shows and other destinations, and the verdict is in. We like it! The bag holds a lot of stuff for its size and is exceptionally easy to travel with thanks to its retractable handle and skate wheels.

Matt Willette, Special Operations Business Development Manager (Western Region) for Blackhawk! Products Group (BPG) and a friend/professional contact of ours rush-delivered the bag to us in late January for SHOT Show 2008. The bag proved to be an absolute godsend for us, since it allowed us to…

transport just about everything we needed with regard to clothing and various tactical items/products with which we were traveling. It really fits A LOT of stuff.

The Blackhawk Medium ALERT Bag is of folding configuration and sports three zip-up compartments: one large compartment on one side (comprosing that whole side), and two compartments on the other side (one medium-size and one small compartment). When zipped up, the compartments are covered by nylon mesh.

Once you load up all the compartments, you just zip them shut, fold the bag, zip it up, and snap the two buckles and tighten the straps, securing the bulk of the bag, specifically the two larger compartments. The small compartment can still be accessed via its own outside zipper. This outside zipper, while convenient for accessing anything you might need in the small compartment, is the only real concern we have regarding the integrity of the bag and the security of its contents. As great as the bag’s design is, Defense Review would like to see a fastening system added to the small compartment’s outer zipper, so that when the two pull tabs are brought together, they can be fastened together. This will keep the compartment from being opened inadvertently by normal travel banging around, loading into and unloading from airplanes, etc.

Understand that we’re not talking about a locking mechanism, just a quick-fastening system that can be be easily unfastened, but will keep the compartment secure unless someone takes deliberate action to access it. If Blackhawk were to add this pull-tab fastening system, they might as well add it to the pull tabs of the main zipper as well. If Blackhawk were to add this feature, they might have to strengthen the pull tabs, which are currently comprised of nylon cord with plastic tabs at the end. Metal pull tabs might be a better way to go.

The Blackhawk Medium A.L.E.R.T. Bag is made from 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon, which is definitely the way to go for any hard-use tactical nylon gear/product, at least until someone invents a better material.

Needless to say, we’re impressed with this product, so far. Provided it holds up well under long-term use (as yet to be determined), we would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a medium-sized tactical loadout bag or general travel bag. In our opinion, it’s a very good product–at least it has been for us, so far. Let’s put it this way: you could do a lot worse. A LOT worse.

IMPAC-GPC Card users can browse E-Mall, shop, and order products immediately.
MILSTRIP Funds users need to fax a MILSTRIP form to the DoD E-Mall help desk to receive authorization. You can then browse E-Mall, and order Blackhawk Products.
You can issue Blackhawk a Purchase Order with our part numbers

You can place orders with your Credit Card/IMPAC-GPC Card number for payment.

About David Crane

David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.